Want to move home?  We may be able to help if you're looking for:

• A home in a different area
• A larger or smaller property
• Added support and security as you get older.

More information:

Transfers
Mutual exchanges
Will I get a transfer/exchange?

Transfers

A transfer is when a tenant moves to a vacant property owned by Cotman or another social housing landlord.

We'll try to meet your housing needs wherever possible, but we do not maintain a transfer list. We allocate all our properties using the relevant local authority. We can also help indirectly by offering assistance with local authority transfer procedures and completing welfare reports on your behalf.

You need to be aware that:

• There's a high demand for transfers. You'll need to be as flexible as possible with your choice of area and property type
• We will inspect your existing home and will expect you to have kept it clean and in an acceptable condition before we can agree to make an offer of a transfer.

How does it work?

Many councils operate the 'choice-based lettings' system. This is where available properties in the local authority area are advertised online. Once registered with the scheme, you have to bid for a property. The successful bidder will be the household who's been registered the longest in the highest band eligible for that property.

Want to transfer?

Contact the lettings team for advice on 01603 731666 or lettings@cotman-housing.org.uk.

Mutual exchanges

A mutual exchange is where you 'swap' properties with another housing association or local authority tenant. It's often an effective way to find a new home. 

Exchanges are subject to certain rules such as property size, specialist properties and satisfactory conduct of tenancies. They can only take place with the consent of both landlords.

How to find an exchange

• Register with Homeswapper. It's a national network of over 500 landlords where you can find suitable exchanges
• Advertise in shops in the areas you wish to exchange
• Advertise in a local newspaper.

Need more help? Contact us on 01603 731666 or lettings@cotman-housing.org.uk for advice and guidance.

Will I get a transfer/exchange?

You'll need permission from us to transfer or exchange - but it's rare for us to turn someone down. Sometimes this happens because tenants:

• Have rent arrears
• Owe us money for repairs
• Have not kept their home in good condition
• Have broken their tenancy conditions
• Want to move to a home that is too large or small for their needs
• We don't have permission from everyone involved.